Category Archives: Up the Creek Articles

However else one understands a doctrine of original sin (even to reject the notion), evidence abounds that humans left to themselves (“self-regulating” is the mantra) manage to muck things up rather badly. Alan Greenspan, long the undisputed oracle of all … Continue reading →

Jesus’ question to his disciples at Caesarea Philippi (“Who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:13ff and parallels in Mark 8 and Luke 9) forms the basis of countless evangelistic sermons meant to elicit the correct response. Peter’s perception … Continue reading →

Mitt Romney would have us believe that he marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. Or was it his father George who marched? Maybe it happened in some virtual reality, but evidence is lacking for the real event. I, however, can … Continue reading →

For most of a week we have been at the Crystal Downs cottage on Lake Michigan with daughter Anne and her children Roma and Sasha. Over the weekend we entertained Anne’s friend Irina from Moscow and her teenage daughter Anya … Continue reading →

Today was D-Day, a time of invasion. At day’s end it is not entirely clear who or what has invaded whom or what. My wife’s mother, my dear mother-in-law Betsy, disembarked from the house she’s lived in for more than … Continue reading →

A newspaper columnist struggled to find something to his liking on the menu. He had waved off the waitress twice while trying to decide. On her third trip back he finally said, “What would you order?” She said, “I bring … Continue reading →

Reflections on Psalm 19, the Psalter for Sunday, January 21, 2006 This Psalm speaks of sounds, voices, and words, subconscious, conscious, and conscientious. The silent thunder of the heavens proclaims God’s glory. The sky bears mute testimony to God’s works. … Continue reading →

The Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Epiphany (January 14) is John 2:1-11, the wedding at Cana, in which Jesus spurns his mother’s appeal to rescue the situation and nevertheless saves the day anyway. Jesus says to Mary, “Gynai, … Continue reading →

My daughter called the other day to ask if I still want the items listed on my Amazon wish list. I checked, only to discover that I had already bought all four books listed there. A very generous wife and … Continue reading →

A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing … Continue reading →